Seniors are more prone to dental infections because they have a harder time maintaining good oral hygiene. Other factors can also make seniors more likely to get dental infections like medication side effects, wearing dentures, or having a weak immune system because of health conditions. Dental infections are more than just an annoyance for seniors. They can cause serious health problems and raise the risk that your senior mom or dad will have a stroke or a heart attack. One way that you can help your mom or dad avoid getting dental infections is to get personal care at home for them. With personal care at home your mom or dad will have dedicated help from a caregiver with hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing daily. Consistent and thorough brushing and flossing can dramatically lower your mom or dad’s risk of mouth infections. Some other things that can lower the risk of dental infections are:
Clean Dentures Thoroughly
It’s very common for seniors to develop an infection in their gums or to get gum disease from unclean dentures. Your senior parent’s dentures must be cleaned daily and disinfected properly so that they don’t transfer bacteria. It’s critically important for your mom or dad to soak and clean their dentures in antibacterial solution daily.
Stay Hydrated and Manage Dry Mouth:
Dry mouth, or dried out tissues in the mouth, raises the risk of picking up a dental infection. That’s one of the many reasons why seniors should be drinking water regularly throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help manage dry mouth. Seniors should also avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, which can exacerbate dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum or using saliva substitutes can also help stimulate saliva production.
Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for preventing dental infections. Dentists can identify early signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues and provide appropriate treatments. For seniors with mobility issues, finding a dentist who offers home visits or has accessible facilities can be beneficial.
Eating A Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall oral health. Lots of foods are considered to be “cleaning” foods that can help keep teeth and gums clean. And green vegetables that are packed with vitamins can strengthen the immune system. Foods high in calcium and vitamin D, like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, help maintain strong teeth and bones.
Use of Dental Aids
If your senior parent hasn’t been brushing their teeth regularly because they find it physically difficult to do so, dental aids can help. Electric toothbrushes, water flossers, microbial mouthwashes, and other tools make it possible for seniors to protect their gums and teeth even if they have a hard time holding the toothbrush. Personal care at home can also help seniors who are struggling with hygiene tasks. If your mom or dad is finding it difficult to shower, get dressed, brush their teeth, and maintain good hygiene in general, call us to find out more about personal care at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Wheat Ridge, CO please contact the caring staff at FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver today at (303) 953-9575 FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver provides exceptional home care for seniors in Denver, Littleton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Lakewood, Golden, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Aurora and surrounding areas.
